| Name: | KONG Helium |
| Sub Item: | (bentgate) |
| Category: | non-locking |
| Shape: | asymmetric D |
| Material: | aluminum |
| Profile: | trapezoid |
| Nose: | keylock |
| Nose Guard: | none |
| Rivets: | flat spun |
| Gate Shield: | full |
| Weight: | 37 g |
| Dimensions: | Length: 93.5 mm Width: 53.5 mm Gate Opening: 22 mm |
| Strength Ratings: |  22 kN |  8 kN |  7 kN |
| Other Markings: | Forged: KONG ITALY CE0474 | UIAA (ratings) Stamped: (K) Pat 9828012 |
| Batch Marking Location: | spine-exterior |
| Summary: | lightweight micro carabiner |
| Description & Commentary: | A lightweight compact keylock carabiner which would not feel out of place on a modern rack. The spine is thinned to a small rib along the exterior and a thinner web on the interior. The nose has a steep angle and the full gate shield lacks a ramp and may cause it to crossload or hang on bolts more easily. The full shield limits the rope shredding potential of older open-framed notch & pin designs, but lacks a relief hole for debris found on many modern designs. This design appears to be the Helium, dating from around 2000. Unlike an older design this uses forged markings, and has significantly improved minor axis and gate open ratings. The spine is marked Pat 9828012 but I was unable to find the patent from the usual online sources. Kong's 200 years at the top) states that they filed a patent for the keylock nose in 1987. Other features include chamfered corners at the top of the gate (to prevent accidental opening), and a scallop on the gate to catch a finger or rope. |